Niger Delta

HYPREP Hands Over New Sites To Contractors

Published

6 years ago

May 24, 2019

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), has handed over five additional oil spill impacted sites to contractors for the clean-up of Ogoniland, thus, bringing to 21 the total sites so far handed over to contractors in the first phase of the implementation of the clean-up of environmental impacted sites across four Ogoni local government areas in Rivers State.
The handover ceremony was held in Alode Eleme Community and Korokoro Tai Community on Wednesday, with three of the sites located in the Eleme community. Only four of the five approved sites by the Federal Executive Council were, however, handed over to the contractors and they included Lots 4,7, 8 and 16, while the fifth is expected to be handed over on a later date.
The companies which won the contracts for the handover sites include R.D.K. Environmental Ecological Solutions Limited, Avondale Services and Supplies Limited, Giolee Global Resources Limited and New Line West African Limited.
Speaking at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Dr Marvin Dekil, urged the contractors to adhere strictly to laid down regulations in accordance with international best practices.
Dekil, who represented the Minister of Environment, Surveyor Suleiman Hassan Zarma noted that the contractors went through rigorous screening before their selection, having met all the requirements including the needed experience, and enjoined them to bring to bear their experience on the project by delivering to the Ogoni people a fertile and clean land.
He noted that all necessary structures have been put in place to ensure the successful implementation of the clean-up project, to deliver remediated sites to the people and restore their livelihoods, and urged Ogoni people to embrace the project.
“This project brings great economic opportunities to the people of Ogoniland. I therefore, urge you to take full advantage of these opportunities and continue to remain peaceful and resolute in your support to the project,” he pleaded.
Meanwhile, Mr Lesi Maiz of Giolee Global Services Limited, who spoke on behalf of the three contractors handling the three new sites in Alode Eleme Community, promised to adhere and keep all the terms of the contract agreement.
This is even as the contractor handling the Lot 16 site in Korokoro Tai Community, the Managing Director of New Line West African Limited, Mr Chijioke Ozoemena assured that the company would not fail in delivering the project as well as carrying along the people of the community in the execution of the project.
On his part, the President of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers and Gbene-Mene of Tai Kingdom, King Godwin Giniwa, while assuring the contractors of the support and cooperation of the people of the area, stressed the need for the Ogonis to be given a fair deal in the implementation of the UNEP Report.
His Alode Eleme community counterpart, Emere Don Awalah assured the contractors of the community’s support and cooperation but urged them to ensure that youths of the area are engaged and given their entitlements including paying them for their services.
In his remarks, a member of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Dr. Peter Medee decried the attempts by some individuals in Ogoniland, he described as commercial activists to blackmail and sabotage the clean-up project, insisting that such attempts would fail, as HYPREP was determined to deliver on its mandate.
Medee assured that funds would not constitute any problem in the execution of the clean-up project, and urged Ogonis to continue to support the project. Contrary to insinuations, he said, the clean-up project was real.
The Director of Remediation, Mrs Annu Basil represented the Federal Ministry of Environment at the occasion.

Donatus Ebi

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

23 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

23 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

23 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.